By Dr. Scott Menzel
Superintendent
Scottsdale Unified School District
As the 2024-25 school year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey we’ve taken together.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Elevate Excellence: Reaching New Heights Together,” we were deliberate, aligning the entire district around three Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) to ensure that we were not just moving forward, but moving forward together:
• Mathematics: By May 2025, SUSD students across each cohort (grades 4-8) demonstrated growth across achievement bands with an increase of 3% as measured by proficiency in AASA mathematics. With collaborative professional development, targeted intervention, and a renewed emphasis on data-informed instruction, we’ve seen early indicators of growth and engagement district wide.
• Attendance: We committed to increasing our average daily attendance from 92.69% to 93.0%. Through strong outreach and the support of families, schools made real progress in helping students understand that being present matters.
• Enrollment: From May 23, 2024, to the 100th day of the 2024-2025 fiscal year (Jan. 21, 2025), enrollment in grades 1 through 12 will increase a minimum of 1% (not including early graduates). Thanks to our dedicated staff and school communities, families are choosing SUSD for our strong academics, innovative programs, and inclusive culture.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Our students, staff, and schools achieved greatness in academics, arts and athletics, reinforcing what makes SUSD special.
Celebrating Our Schools
This year, three of our elementary schools, Navajo, Hohokam and Pueblo, earned the Arizona Educational Foundation’s A+ School of Excellence distinction. The ditrict also celebrated new Scottsdale Blue Zones Project school certifications for Anasazi, Pima, and Sequoya Elementary schools, as well as Cocopah Middle School, a testament to our commitment to student well-being and healthy habits. Echo Canyon School earned the 2025 Scottsdale Sustainability Award for its outstanding composting and food waste-reduction program, showing how even our youngest learners can lead the way.
Arts, Innovation, and Academics in Action
From the Coronado High School Marching Band claiming the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association Division IV State Championship to Saguaro High School’s robotics team competing on the global stage at the FIRST World Championships in Houston, our students have soared again this school year.
Yavapai Elementary created a monarch butterfly way station, with support from the Sprouts Foundation, an inspiring reminder of how STEM and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Champions in the Classroom and on the Field
We saw remarkable success in athletics this year, including these accomplishments:
• Chaparral High School girls soccer captured the 5A state title.
• Desert Mountain Boys Swim and Dive took the Division I State Championship.
• Desert Mountain softball captured its third consecutive 5A State Championship.
• Chaparral’s cheer and pom teams landed Arizona Interscholastic Association Division II state titles.
• Desert Mountain’s Division. I girls tennis team added more trophies to its case.
Community Recognition
SUSD was honored with the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Sterling Award for Big Business, underscoring our impact and leadership in the broader community.
As we look ahead to summer and begin preparing for 2025-26, we remain rooted in our mission and inspired by our students. We are a district that values excellence,integrity, empathy, trust, inclusion, and unity, believing strongly in the potential of every learner.
Thank you to our teachers, support staff, principals, parents, and community partners for another exceptional year. Together, we’ve reached new heights and we’re just getting started, Because Kids!